Introduction
American impressionism is an impactful, but often overlooked, era of painting. If it receives any spotlight, it pales in comparison to the works produced in Europe (Chey, "A Collection of Paintings"). Most people recognize names like Claude Monet, but fewer recognize Childe Hassam. Not only this, but when you narrow down this era to garden impressionism in particular, it becomes even more lost in historical recognition.
Many of the paintings that have survived the decades since this era have found homes in private collections through auction houses, though a lucky handful are hung in world-renown museums such as the Met. For the most part, the few American garden impressionism paintings that exist in a public-facing capacity can be found in collections such as the Terra Foundation for American Art and the Florence Griswold Museum.
Given that these few existing paintings are so scattered among collections, both public and private, I thought it would be a valuable endeavor to unify many of them into a single online collection. American garden impressionism is not a lesser cousin to European impressionism. It has distinct stylistic differences and a unique sociopolitical history. As such, I believe it's important to bring this era of art to light so it may receive the recognition it has long deserved.
My personal interest in garden painting stems from being in a family of gardeners. My father's side comes from a historic estate known as Stourhead, located in the Cotswolds in England, which is widely known for its gardens. My father has a degree in horticulture and my mother was a florist, and their interest in flowers went as far as naming me after a flower (Bryony). I also worked as a gardener for Herstmonceux Castle near the southern coast of England during my studies there as an undergraduate student. Basically, I love flowers!
Within the collection on this site, you will find paintings in both America and Europe (UK, France), though the painters are all American and retain their unique take on the style. The Garden Map page reveals the location of each garden painted by these artists. You may browse all the works, or refine the works between the two main subject matters of this painting style: figures and flowers. Enjoy!
Source: Scott, Chey. “A Collection of Paintings by American Impressionists Is a Focal Point of the Mac's Fall Lineup.” Inlander, 21 Jan. 2023, https://www.inlander.com/spokane/a-collection-of-paintings-by-american-impressionists-is-a-focal-point-of-the-macs-fall-lineup/Content?oid=24729918.